Heavenly Caramel Bites

Indulge in the irresistible charm of Heavenly Caramel Bites, a show-stopping treat that layers buttery shortbread with rich, golden caramel and a luxurious chocolate drizzle. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for impressing guests or satisfying your sweet tooth at home. Featuring a crispy, melt-in-your-mouth crust and a velvety, homemade caramel filling accented with a hint of sea salt, these bite-sized squares strike the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Ready in just under an hour of active prep and cook time, these caramel bars are a delightful addition to any dessert table or snack rotation. Whether you enjoy them plain or with the optional chocolate topping, Heavenly Caramel Bites are guaranteed to become your new favorite indulgence. Perfect for parties, holiday gifting, or a simple weekday pick-me-up, these treats are as versatile as they are delicious!

Nutriscore Rating: 35/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 24

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 0.75 cup light brown sugar
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup golden syrup or light corn syrup
• 0.5 teaspoon sea salt, for garnish
• 0.5 cup optional chocolate chips for drizzling

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a square 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 0.5 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 3

Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4

Add 2 cups all-purpose flour and 2 tablespoons cornstarch to the bowl. Mix until the dough comes together; it will be slightly crumbly but should hold when pressed.

Step 5

Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the shortbread crust. Use the back of a measuring cup to flatten it evenly.

Step 6

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

Step 7

For the caramel layer, combine 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk, 0.75 cup light brown sugar, 0.5 cup unsalted butter, and 0.25 cup golden syrup (or light corn syrup) in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.

Step 8

Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and turns a golden caramel color. This should take about 8–10 minutes.

Step 9

Pour the hot caramel over the cooled shortbread crust, spreading it evenly with an offset spatula.

Step 10

Let the caramel layer cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to fully set.

Step 11

For an optional chocolate drizzle, melt 0.5 cup of chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth. Drizzle over the chilled caramel bites.

Step 12

Remove the set caramel bites from the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into 24 bite-sized squares.

Step 13

Sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt over each square for a touch of balance and flavor.

Step 14

Serve and enjoy your Heavenly Caramel Bites! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1382.8 grams (1382.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6024

Total Fat 308.90g	396%
Saturated Fat 191.70g	958%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 776mg	259%
Sodium 1737mg	76%
Total Carbohydrate 776.20g	282%
Dietary Fiber 14.70g	53%
Total Sugars 563.00g
Protein 66.60g	133%

Vitamin D 32IU	159%
Calcium 1397mg	107%
Iron 17mg	92%
Potassium 2309mg	49%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.2%

Protein: 4.3%

Carbs: 50.5%